No Force Can Stop The Chinese Nation, Says Xi

The Communist Party celebrated its 70th anniversary in power with a parade in the capital on Tuesday showcasing the country's economic growth and newest weapons.

The nationally televised event opened with a military honour guard carrying the Chinese flag through Tiananmen Square, the country's symbolic political heart, before thousands of spectators who waved flags. Artillery guns fired a salute.

President Xi Jinping, wearing a grey Mao jacket, and other mainland leaders, including former presidents Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, watched from atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace at the square's north end.

"There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation," Xi said in his speech. "No force that can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead."

The parade through central Beijing is due to include 15,000 troops and more than 160 aircraft.

News reports say it might include a new long-range nuclear-armed missile and a supersonic drone aircraft. Military spokespeople have declined to give details. (AP/AFP)